Current research supports the idea that deer browsing
on tree saplings is effecting forest structure and composition
in areas surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir. In addition to changing
the structure of the forests, high deer populations may have impacts
on water quality. These concerns have triggered a controversy
over how deer should be managed within the Quabbin watershed.
Among the players in this controversy are hunters, wildlife biologists,
water quality engineers, foresters, and animal welfare and rights
activists.

Center
for the Environment Talcott
Greenhouse South
50 College Street
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA 01075
Phone: (413) 538-3091